Ride Safe, Fuel Right with Ethanol in Sturgis

August 4, 2014

Robert White on this Flex-Fuel Motorcycle powered by E-85.

The freedom of the open road on two wheels appeals to the estimated half a million who attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each year in the Black Hills of South Dakota. What powers those bikes is anything but freedom, unless those motorcycles are powered by clean-burning, American-made ethanol.

Robert White, a military veteran and the director of market development for the Renewable Fuel Association, has just the bike. His Harley-Davidson is powered by E-85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline), a bike that he will be riding on his 6th trip to Sturgis where he will be promoting America’s fuel, ethanol, with a campaign called, “Ride Safe, Fuel Right,” in the heart of the rally, the Legendary Buffalo Chip.

This freedom ride is far from a vacation for Mr. White as his journey into the heart of Sturgis aims to educate thousands of fellow bikers about the benefits of using renewable fuels while dispelling the old myth that ethanol shouldn’t be used in motorcycles.

Part of the promotion will include, “Free Fuel Happy Hours,” where riders can fill up their tanks for no charge with a 93 octane E10 (10 percent ethanol) blend. To fill up, riders must have a Buffalo Chip wristband and no fuel containers will be allowed. The “Free Fuel Happy Hours,” will be on Tuesday, August 5, Wednesday, August 6 and Thursday, August 7 at the Buffalo Chip from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

In addition to the Free Fuel Happy Hours, RFA is sponsoring the seventh annual Legends Ride, which will take place on Monday, Aug. 4. The Legends Ride begins in Deadwood, S.D., with the proceeds going to benefit charities in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, including the Black Hills Special Olympics.

“RFA’s partnership with the Buffalo Chip campground gives us the chance to educate riders about the proper use of ethanol in their motorcycles. As with any vehicle, drivers should read the labeling on the pump, but we want riders to know that E10 is warranted by all motorcycle manufacturers and safe to use in their bikes. We want to make sure motorcyclists know the cost-saving, economic, and national security benefits of ethanol. To nail home the positive aspects of ethanol we are once again offering free tanks of E10 93-octane fuel at the Free Fuel Happy Hours,” stated White.